The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford: Book Review

About the book:

Title: The Poison Season

Author: Mara Rutherford

Genre: Teen and Young Adult Dark Fantasy

Release Date: December 6, 2022

“Mara Rutherford’s The Poison Season took me on journey through a bloodthirsty forest, where two star-crossed lovers discover the true meaning of poison. It brims with evocative storytelling that left me enchanted!” — Emily J. Taylor, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel Magnifique

Outsiders are always given a choice: the Forest or the lake. Either way, they’re never heard from again.

Leelo has spent her entire life on Endla, coexisting with the bloodthirsty Forest and respecting the poisonous lake that protects her island from outsiders who seek to destroy it. But as much as Leelo cares for her community, she struggles to accept that her younger brother will be exiled by his next birthday, unless he gains the magic of enchanted song so vital to Endla.

When Leelo sees a young outsider on the verge of drowning in the lake, she knows exactly what she’s supposed to do. But in a moment that will change everything, Leelo betrays her family, her best friend, and Endla by making an unthinkable choice.

Discovery could lead to devastating consequences for both Leelo and the outsider, Jaren, but as they grow closer, Leelo realizes that not all danger comes from beyond the lake—and they can only survive if Leelo is willing to question the very fabric of her society, her people, and herself.

Book Review:

Very interesting story. I loved the depth of characters and I was never bored with the story itself. It did take me a little bit to get engaged in the story itself, but more from a bit of confusion than anything. I enjoyed the fact that the story started off at a decent pace, if a bit slow, but I did have a few moments where I wasn’t sure where everything was going.. The family dynamic between Leelo’s mother and aunt definitely had me digging in and hoping that all would be revealed. I was not disappointed, and the ending wrapped everything up in such a way that I gave a happy sigh. As the story progressed, I began to see why the story opened the way it did. Without that information and context, the rest of the story would have fallen flat. Leelo and Jaren are from opposing worlds and love between them is more than forbidden, it ends in execution for them both if they’re discovered. The phrase “love conquers all” certainly has potential here. Leelo and her family kept the story close, while Jaren brought in the outside perspective that helped push everything forward. I don’t remember ever reading about a wandering forest before, so that bit of fairy tale aspect was engaging.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.